Antibacterial deodorizing compositions

ABSTRACT

A deodorizing composition comprising as an antimicrobial agent an effective amount of an extract of  Lawsonia inermis,  or of an antimicrobially active fraction thereof

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to deodorizing compositions. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to antimicrobial deodorizingcompositions for this purpose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Body odor is formed when fresh perspiration, which is odorlessper se, is decomposed by microorganisms. This process takes placeprincipally, though not solely, in the axilla, and a number ofmicroorganisms are involved, each having different activity and leadingto body odor of different strength and unpleasantness. The mostprominent odor-producing microorganisms include aerobic diphtheroids,primarily Corynebacterium species and coagulase negative cocci such asMicrococcaceae.

[0003] Various microorganisms are found in different proportions indifferent individuals, and this is a reason for the fact that differentindividuals exhibit different body odors.

[0004] The commercial cosmetic deodorants are based on different activeprinciples. The formation of perspiration is suppressed according to theknown art by astringents, predominantly aluminum salts such as aluminumhydroxychloride. Apart from the denaturation of the skin proteins,however, the substances used for this purpose clog the pores, interferedrastically with the heat regulation of the axillary region, may causecancer and other diseases, and should at best be used in exceptionalcases. According to another accepted prior art method, the bacterialflora on the skin is reduced by antimicrobial substances. Finally, bodyodor can also be concealed by fragrances, which, however, is the leastable to meet the aesthetic needs of the consumer, as the mixture of bodyodor and perfume fragrance smells rather unpleasant.

[0005] According to a recent patent on this subject (U.S. Pat. No.5,318,778), deodorants should fulfill the following conditions:

[0006] 1) The biological processes of the skin must not be impaired.

[0007] 2) The deodorants should have no distinct intrinsic odor.

[0008] 3) They must be harmless in the case of overdosage or otherunintended use.

[0009] 4) They should not concentrate on the skin after repeated use.

[0010] 5) It should be possible to incorporate them easily intocommercial cosmetic formulations.

[0011] Those which are known and usable are both liquid deodorants, forexample aerosol sprays, roll-ons and the like and solid preparations,for example deodorant sticks, powders, powder sprays, intimate cleansersetc.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,778 approaches the problem by employingantibiotics, which are said to be specific microbiocides whichpredominantly destroy odor-forming microorganisms.

[0013] All the prior art methods suffer from severe drawbacks: theyrequire the masking of body odor which has already formed prior to theapplication of the deodorant, because the destruction of axillarymicroorganisms does not remove already formed odor. They require the useof antimicrobial agents which must have a long-lasting activity on theskin, because the skin flora is not completely exterminated by theirapplication, and, quite importantly, they very often leave unpleasantstains or halos on the cloths, particularly at and around the axilla.Also the safety of many antiperspirants is dubious, due to the presenceof potentially harmful components, and the result is often unpleasant,because of the unnatural odor obtained.

[0014] Notwithstanding the many efforts made during many years, and themagnitude of the problem involved, the art has failed to providedeodorizing compositions which are convenient and safe to use, which areeffective for a long time. The inventors have now surprisingly found,and this is an object of the invention, that the aforesaid goals can beachieved by using a well known harmless and effective natural agent:Henna.

[0015] Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a small shrub growing in Arabia,North Africa, Iran and the East Indies. Dried leaves are a source ofgreen powder used in cosmetics. Although henna paste has been used as aremedy for boils, wounds and some mycotic infections, there are few dataon the activity of extracts.

[0016] S. S. Bhatnagar et al. [Biological activity of indian medicinalplants. Ind. J. Med. Res. 49: 799-813, 1961] examined antibacterial,antitubercular and antifungal action of 351 Indian plants. Theextraction method was first using petrol (b.p. 40-60° C.), followed byextraction of the extracted powder with either 90% or 10% methanol. Theyfound that henna powder was active against all three categories,although they did not list the kind of extracts which were active. Oneof the few scientific papers discussing extraction of henna forantibacterial activity is that of F. Malekzadeh [Antimicrobial activityof Lawsonia inermis L., Applied Microbiology, 16:663-664, 1968]. Hestudied aqueous extracts and found that while both Gram + and Gram −bacteria were inhibited, inhibitory action was greatest against Bacillusanthracis and least against Staphylococcus aureus.

[0017] One known component of henna is lawsone, a napthoquinone pigmentwhich has antibacterial activity against oral species. [N. Didry, L.Dubreuil and M. Pinkas, Activity of anthraquinonic and naphthoquinoniccompounds on oral bacteria, Pharmazie, 49:681-683, 1994].

[0018] While henna has been used since biblical times as a colorant, andhas been mentioned anecdotally as an antiperspirant and antibacterialagent and as a source of gallic acid which inhibits “Streptococcusaureus” slightly [Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, p. 274], the direct useof henna extract has been always limited due to its high staining power,which is undesirable both to skin and clothing.

[0019] Z. F. Mahmoud et al. [Constituents of Henna Leaves Growing inEgypt, Fitoterapia, 51:153-155, 1980] isolated seven crystallinecompounds from Egyptian henna leaves. They write that henna has beenused for preserving mummies, and has been used for skin diseases andtinea of the legs. They extracted powdered leaves at room temperaturewith ethanol. The ethanolic extract was concentrated under vacuum andpartitioned between chloroform and water. The aqueous layer wassuccessively extracted with ethyl acetate, etc. They cite that thelawsone, the dyeing principle of henna has bacteriostatic properties,citing the work of Karawya et al. [M. S. Karawya, A. S. M. Wahha and A.Y. Zaki, A study of the lawsone content in henna, Lloydia, 32:76, 1969].

[0020] Karawya et al. did not actually check antibacterial activity, butrather established a simple method for estimating the quantity oflawsone. They also mention antifungal and antibacterial properties,citing the work of Hoffman et al. [O. Hoffmann, W. Ostenhof and O.Krapupp. Bacteriostatic quinones and other antibiotics. Montsh. Chem.77:86-96, 1947].

[0021] Black Henna, according to the information given by Alban MullerInternational, is a mixture of henna powder, and black powder from theplant Indigofera tinctoria. According to Anand et al. [K. K. Anand, D.Chand and B. J. Rah Ghatak, Protective effect of alcoholic extract ofIndigofera tinctoria Linn. in experimental liver injury, Indian Journalof Experimental Biology,19:685-687, 1979], I. tinctoria is an annualherbaceous shrub 4-6 feet high found throughout India. It was cultivatedin India, China and other countries of the east as a source of Indigo (acolorant that dates back to biblical times, according to B. Chisik inhis book in Hebrew, “Treasure of plants” (Otzar Ha′Tsmachim), Vol. 1, p.333, Hertzlia, Hotzahat Hamechaber, Tsi″b). The extract of the plant isused in epilepsy, nervous disorders and bronchitis. The authorsextracted the aerial part of the plant (powdered) with 50% alcohol. Theythen checked and found marked antihepatotoxic effect in animals.

[0022] In another paper (K. K. Anand, D. Chand, B. J. Rah Ghatak, and R.K. Arya, histological evidence of protection by Indigofera tinctoriaLinn. against carbontetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity-an experimentalstudy, Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 19: 298-300, 1981), theauthors presented histological evidence for protection of liver cells,against carbontetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity using a 50% ethanolicextract.

[0023] In another article by R. Han (Highlight on the studies ofanticancer drugs derived from plants in China, Stem Cells 12:53-63,1994), the author reports that indirubin from Indigofera tinctoria isuseful for the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia.

[0024] The fact that henna extracts have never been considered for usein respect of body odor control is probably related, inter alia, to thefact that henna extract retain a high staining power and thus anycomposition containing such extract is inherently deleterious toclothing and is not to be considered for application to the skin in thevicinity of clothing.

[0025] It is an object of the present invention to provide body-odorcontrolling compositions containing henna extracts, which are efficientto control skin microorganisms which are responsible for body odor.

[0026] It is another object of the invention to provide such deodorizingcomposition based on henna extracts, which can be used to control bodyodor, without incurring the risk of staining clothing.

[0027] It is yet another object of the invention to provide deodorizingcompositions which are selective toward specific skin microorganisms,and that therefore permit to control body odor without harming thenatural flora of the skin.

[0028] It is still another object of the invention to provide a methodfor deodorizing human or animal skin, and for preventing the formationof body odor.

[0029] It is a further object of the invention to provide a process formanufacturing a deodorizing composition of the invention.

[0030] Other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a deodorizingcomposition comprising as an antimicrobial agent an effective amount ofan extract of Lawsonia inermis, or of an antimicrobially active fractionthereof.

[0032] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention thedeodorizing composition further comprises materials extracted fromIndigofera tinctoria.

[0033] It is possible, to include in the deodorizing compositionaccording to the invention additional conventional deodorant components,such as antibacterial and antiodor materials, e.g., essences, such asessential oils, triclosan, triethyl citrate.

[0034] The deodorizing composition of the invention is particularlysuitable for use as a pre-shower deodorant. Thus, it is possible toapply the composition of the invention and then to remove it usingregular detergents. Thus, the objects of the invention are achieved butnot undesirable staining of clothing takes place.

[0035] In another aspect the invention is directed to a process formanufacturing a deodorizing composition, which process comprisesextracting natural material comprising Lawsonia inermis with a suitableextraction solvent, and using the extract so obtained as such, or in asuitable carrier. Such suitable carriers may be chosen, but are notlimited to a group of aqua, alcohol and oil based carriers such aswater, ethanol and isopropylmyristate, respectively.

[0036] In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a process formanufacturing a deodorizing composition, said process comprisingextraction of natural material comprising Indigofera tinctoria with asuitable extraction solvent, and using the extract so obtained as such,or in a suitable carrier.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, when thenatural material employed as raw material in the process is derived fromLawsonia inermis, said natural material may further comprise naturalmaterial derived from Indigofera tinctoria. Suitable raw materials forthe process of the invention are red henna and black henna.

[0038] While the invention is not limited to the use of any particularraw material, or any particular form of raw material, according to apreferred embodiment of the invention the raw material employed for theextraction process is a henna powder.

[0039] The invention, inter alia, is directed also to a method fordeodorizing and/or preventing the formation of body odors, comprisingapplying to the axilla and/or other body part affected by body odor adeodorizing composition comprising as an antimicrobial agent aneffective amount of an extract of Lawsonia inermis, or of anantimicrobially active fraction thereof, for a period of time sufficientto inhibit the growth of skin microorganisms responsible for body odorformation, and then washing off the deodorizing composition usingconventional detergents.

[0040] Similarly, the invention is also directed to a method fordeodorizing and/or preventing the formation of body odors, comprisingapplying to the axilla and/or other body parts affected by body odor adeodorizing composition comprising as an antimicrobial agent andeffective amount of an extract of Indigofera tinctoria, or of anantimicrobially active fraction thereof, for a period of time sufficientto inhibit the growth of skin microorganisms responsible for body odorformation, and then washing off the deodorizing composition usingconventional detergents.

[0041] In another aspect, the invention is directed to an antimicrobialcomposition comprising an extract of Indigofera tinctoria or Indigoferatinctoria-containing material. The invention also specifically makesprovision for an antimicrobial composition effective againstStaphylococcus aureus, said composition comprising an extract of ofIndigofera tinctoria or Indigofera tinctoria-containing material. Theaforementioned extract may be produced using one of several differentextracting solutions, including aqueous, and alcohol in water. In thelatter case, according to a preferred embodiment, the concentration ofalcohol in the water is in the range of 10 to 30 %. While severaldifferent alcohols may be used, a preferred alcohol is ethanol.

[0042] In a further aspect, the invention is directed to the use ofIndigofera tinctoria extracts as an antimicrobial agent effectiveagainst Staphylococcus aureus. It has been surprisingly found, as willbe apparent to the skilled person, from the detailed description tofollow, that extracts of Indigofera tinctoria and of black henna, whichcontain Indigofera tinctoria, are very effective in the inhibition ofStaphylococcus aureus growth, while red henna, which does not containIndigofera tinctoria, is only partially effective (see, e.g., TableVII).

[0043] In another aspect, the invention is directed to an antimicrobialcomposition comprising an extract of Lawsonia inermis-containingmaterial. The invention also specifically makes provision for anantimicrobial composition effective against Corynebacterium species,said composition comprising an extract of Lawsonia inermis-containingmaterial. The aforementioned extract may be produced using one ofseveral different extracting solutions, including aqueous, and alcoholin water. In the latter case, according to a preferred embodiment, theconcentration of alcohol in the water is in the range of 10 to 30%.While several different alcohols may be used, a preferred alcohol isethanol.

[0044] The invention further provides for the use of a Lawsonia inermisextract as an antimicrobial agent for the inhibition of Corynebacteriumspecies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The above and other characteristics and advantages of theinvention will be more readily apparent through the following examplesof preferred embodiments thereof

General Procedures

[0046] The Extraction Process: One ml of solvent was added to 0.1-0.2 grof henna powder. The mixture was vortexed for 10 min and the sampleswere centrifuged for 30 min at 10000 rpm. The supernatant was collectedand referred to as the extract. The extract was then filtered through a0.22 or a 0.45 μm filter.

[0047] Following centrifugation, the extract was allowed to stand atroom temperature. It was noted that despite the previous centrifugationand filtration, a fine dark precipitate slowly collected towards thebottom of the aliquots. The amount of precipitate decreased as thepercentage of alcohol increased. When this was observed, it was decidedto check whether this precipitation resulted in a difference inantibacterial activity. The extract was centrifuged for an additional 30min at 10000 rpm, and the upper layer (relatively free from precipitate)and the lower layer (rich in precipitate) were separated and testedseparately for antibacterial activity. Almost no difference was foundbetween the diameter of the inhibition zones, although the lower phase(rich in precipitate) formed a more transparent inhibition zone.

[0048] Inhibition Test: The antimicrobial activity of the variousextracts was examined by applying samples (5 μl) onto lawns of axillarybacteria. Following incubation of 24 hours at 37° C., inhibition wasdetermined by measuring the diameter of the growth inhibition zone (incm). In the tables, “+” indicates full growth inhibition(transparentzone), “−” indicates lack of inhibition, and “+/−” indicates partialinhibition (translucent zone).

Comparative Testing

[0049] For the purposes of comparative testing, 5 μl aliquots of eitherred or black henna extracts (20% w/v in 20% v/v ethanol) are applied tothe bacterial lawns.

[0050] Red henna extract is considered active when:

[0051] 1. (a) it inhibits the growth of C. xerosis,

[0052] (b) the inhibition zone is transparent or translucent, and

[0053] (c) the diameter of the inhibition zone is greater then 0.5cm,and

[0054] 2. it does not inhibit the growth of S. epidermidis (although insome cases, a translucent “inhibition” zone is seen).

[0055] Black henna extract is considered active when:

[0056] 1. (a) it inhibits the growth of C. xerosis,

[0057] (b) the inhibition zone is transparent or translucent, and

[0058] (c) the diameter of the inhibition zone is greater then 0.5 cm,and

[0059] 2. (a) it inhibits the growth of S. epidermidis,

[0060] (b) the inhibition is transparent, and

[0061] (c) the diameter is bigger then 0.5 cm.

[0062] Some purified components of henna (according to the specificationsheet given by Alban Muller International) were tested, and no activitysimilar to that described herein was found. Solutions of lawsone,1,4-naphthoquinone and gallic acid were tested for growth inhibition ofStaphylococcus eidermidis and Corynebacterium xerosis.

[0063] The results are detailed in Table I below: TABLE I Inhibition ofInhibition of component solvent S. epidermidis C. xerosis lawsone 0.2%ethanol 20% − − lawsone 0.02% ethanol 20% − − lawsone 0.01% ethanol 20%− − 1,4-naphthoquinone ethanol 20% +, 1.4 cm +, 0.8 cm 0.2%1,4-naphthoquinone ethanol 20% − − 0.02% 1,4-naphthoquinone ethanol 20%− − 0.01% gallic acid 0.4% ethanol 20% +/31 − gallic acid 0.2% ethanol20% − − lawsone 1.0% hot water − − lawsone 1.0% ethanol 50% − − lawsone1.0% ethanol 100% − −

[0064] Although 1,4-naphthoquinone which is supposed to be found inhenna leaves inhibits the growth of the two strains, it seems that theactivity which the inventors have found is not due to this component asthe extract of red henna of the invention inhibits only C. xerosis.

EXAMPLE 1

[0065] Operating as in the General Procedures above, commercial extractsof henna were tested against S. epidermidis and C. xerosis. The resultsare shown in Table II. It can be seen that all extracts were activeagainst C. xerosis, but only the first extract (which is a blend ofLawsonia inermis and Indigofera tinctoria) caused a full growthinhibition of S. epidermidis. TABLE II EXTRACTION CONDITIONS, SOURCE &SOLVENT INHIBITION COLOR OF AND EXTRACT OF INHIBITION Henna COLORS.epidermidis OF C.xerosis Alban Muhler no data, water/ +2.0 cm +, 0.8cm black henna propylene glycol, AMI brown watersoluble H&R- no data,water/ − +/−, 1.0 cm Cremogen dipropylene glycol, henna neutral darkbrown Gattefosse- prolonged maceration − +, 0.7 cm Vegetol henna of theleaves in water/propylene glycol. brown Vege-Tech no data, water, Amber+/−, 1.2 cm +,2.0 cm henna neutral

EXAMPLE 2

[0066] In order to ascertain the effect of the extracting agents ethanoland methanol employed in the extractions, the inhibition of S.epidermidis and C. xerosis by these solvents was tested. The results areshown in Table III.

[0067] The results show that some inhibition of C. xerosis is caused byethanol, above 40% (v/v) in water, and by methanol above 45%, while noinhibition was found for S. epidermidis. TABLE III INHIBITION INHIBITIONINHIBITION INHIBITION ETHANOL OF OF METHANOL OF OF Content C. xerosisS.epidermidis Content C. xerosis S.epidermidis 5% − − 5% − − 10% − − 10%− − 15% − − 15% − − 20% − − 20% − − 25% − − 25% − − 30% − − 30% − − 35%− − 35% − − 40% +/−, 0.2 cm − 40% − − 45% +/−, 0.2 cm − 45% +/− − 50%+/−, 0.6 cm − 50% +/− − 55% +/−, 0.6 cm − 55% +/− − 60% +/−, 0.8 cm −60% +/−, 0.8 cm − 65% +/−, 0.8 cm − 65% +/−, 0.8 cm − 70% +/−, 0.8 cm −70% +/−, 0.8 cm − 75% +/−, 0.8 cm − 75% +/−, 0.8 cm − 80% +/−, 0.8 cm −80% +/−, 0.8 cm − 90% +, 1.1 cm − 90% +/−, 0.8 cm − 100% +, 1.3 cm −100% +/−, 0.8 cm −

EXAMPLE 3

[0068] Operating as in the General Procedures above, ethanolic extractsof black henna were tested against S. epidermidis and C. xerosis. Theresults are shown in Table IV. TABLE IV SOURCE & EXTRACTION INHIBITIONCOLOR OF CONDITIONS AND OF INHIBITION HENNA EXTRACT COLOR S.epidermidisOF C.xerosis Market water, black +, 0.8 cm +/− B1-black ethanol 10%,dark +, 2.0 cm +, 0.8 cm henna brown + black powder powder ethanol 15%,dark +, 2.2 cm +, 0.8 cm brown + black powder ethanol 20%, dark +, 2.0cm +, 0.8 cm brown + black powder ethanol 25%, dark +, 2.0 cm +, 0.8 cmbrown + black powder ethanol 30%, dark +, 2.0 cm +, 0.8 cm brown + blackpowder ethanol 35%, dark +, 2.0 cm +, 0.8 cm brown + black powderethanol 40%, brown +, 1.0 cm +, 0.8 cm ethanol 45%, brown +, 1.0 cm +,0.8 cm ethanol 50%, brown +, 1.0 cm +, 0.8 cm ethanol 55%, brown +, 1.0cm +, 0.8 cm ethanol 60%, dark brown +, 1.0 cm +, 0.8 cm ethanol 65%,dark brown +, 1.0 cm +, 0.8 cm ethanol 70%, dark brown +, 1.0 cm +, 0.8cm ethanol 75%, dark brown +, 1.0 cm +, 1.1 cm ethanol 80%, +, 1.0 cm +,1.1 cm brown-black ethanol 85%, − +, 1.1 cm brown-black ethanol 90%, −+, 1.1 cm brown-black ethanol 100%, − +, 1.1 cm brown-black Marketethanol 20%, +, 0.8 cm +/−, 0.8 cm B2-black brown + black powder hennapowder

EXAMPLE 4

[0069] Operating as in the General Procedures above, methanolic extractsof black henna were tested against S. epidermidis and C. xerosis. Theresults are shown in Table V. TABLE V SOURCE & EXTRACTION COLOR OFCONDITIONS AND INHIBITION OF INHIBITION HENNA EXTRACT COLORS.epidermidis OF C.xerosis Market B1- methanol 5%, +, 0.5 cm +/−, 0.3 cmblack henna dark brown + black powder powder methanol 10%, +, 0.5 cm+/−, 0.4 cm dark brown + black powder methanol 15%, +, 0.8 cm +/−, 0.9cm dark brown + black powder methanol 20%, +, 1.3 cm +/−, 0.9 cm darkbrown + black powder methanol 25%, +, 1.3 cm +/−, 0.9 cm dark brown +black powder methanol 30%, +, 1.3 cm +, 1.1 cm dark brown + black powdermethanol 35%, +, 1.3 cm +, 1.0 cm dark brown + black powder methanol40%, +, 1.1 cm +, 1.1 cm brown + black powder methanol 45%, +, 1.1 cm +,1.1 cm brown + black powder methanol 50%, +, 0.8 cm +, 0.9 cm brown +black powder methanol 55%, brown +, 0.7 cm +, 0.8 cm methanol 60%, brown+, 0.8 cm +/−, 0.5 cm methanol 65%, brown +, 0.8 cm +/−, 0.5 cm methanol70%, brown +, 0.8 cm +/−, .5 cm methanol 75%, dark brown +, 1.1 cm +/−,0.5 cm methanol 80%, brown-black +, 0.9 cm − methanol 90%, brown-black+, 0.9 cm +, 0.8 cm methanol 100%, brown-black +, 0.8 cm +, 0.7 cm

EXAMPLE 5

[0070] Operating as in the General Procedures above, ethanolic extractsof red henna were tested against S. epidermidis and C. xerosis. Theresults are shown in Table VI. TABLE VI SOURCE & EXTRACTION COLOR OFCONDITIONS AND INHIBITION OF INHIBITION HENNA EXTRACT COLORS.epidermidis OF C.xerosis Market water ,orange +/−, 0.2 cm +/−, 0.2 cmR1-red ethanol 5%, orange − +/−, 0.2 cm henna ethanol 10%, orange − +/−,0.5 cm powder ethanol 15%, orange − +/−, 0.5 cm ethanol 20%, orange − +,0.8 cm ethanol 25%, orange − +, 0.5 cm ethanol 30%, orange − +, 0.9 cmethanol 35%, orange − +, 0.9 cm ethanol 40%, orange- +/−, 0.2 cm +, 1.0cm brown ethanol 45%, orange- +/−, 0.3 cm +, 1.0 cm brown ethanol 50%,orange- − +, 1.0 cm brown ethanol 55%, orange- +/−, 0.2 cm +, 0.8 cmbrown ethanol 60%, orange- +/−, 0.2 cm +, 1.1 cm brown ethanol 70%,brown + − +, 1.1 cm black powder ethanol 75%, dark − +, 1.1 cm brown +black powder ethanol 80%, dark − +, 0.5 cm brown + black powder ethanol90%, black − +, 0.3 cm ethanol 100%. black − +, 0.7 cm

EXAMPLE 6

[0071] Extracts of red and black henna and blue indigo were testedagainst C. xerosis, S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus andMicrococcus luteus. The results are shown in Table VII. TABLE VII SOURCE& INHIBITION INHIBITION OF COLOR OF EXTRACTION INHIBITION OF INHIBITIONMicrococcus POWDER CONDITIONS OF C.xerosis S.epidermidis OF S.aureusluteus Market water +/−, 0.5 cm +/−, 0.3 cm +/−, 0.6 cm − R1-red ethanol15% +, 0.6 cm − +/−, 0.5 cm − henna ethanol 30% +, 0.6 cm − +/−, 0.5 cm− powder ethanol 50% +, 0.8 cm − − − ethanol 70% +, 1.2 cm +/31 , 0.6 cm+/−, 0.2 cm − Market water +/31 , 0.6 cm +, 1.7 cm +, 2.1 cm − B1-blackethanol 15% +, 0.8 cm +, 2.4 cm +, 2.1 cm +, 1.3 cm henna ethanol 30% +,1.1 cm +, 2.2 cm +, 2.4 cm +, 2.0 cm powder Bengal blue ethanol 20% +,1.2 cm +,1.0 cm +, 0.7 cm +, 0.8 cm Indigo

EXAMPLE 7

[0072] Operating as in the General Procedures above, dipropylene glycolextracts of black henna were tested against S. epidermidis and C.xerosis. The results are shown in Table VIII. TABLE VIII EXPERIMENTEXTRACTION CONDITIONS CONTROL OF BLACK INHIBITION INHIBITION HENNA ANDINHIBITION INHIBITION EXTRACTING OF OF EXTRACT OF OF SOLVENT C. xerosisS.epidermidis COLOR C. xerosis S.epidermidis 10% DPG − − 10% DPG, dark+, 0.5 cm +, 0.7 cm brown + black powder 20% DPG − − 20% DPG, dark +,0.6 cm +, 0.8 cm brown + black powder 30% DPG − − 30% DPG, dark +, 0.6cm +, 1.0 cm brown + black powder 40% DPG +/− − 40% DPG, dark +, 0.7 cm+, 1.2 cm brown + black powder 50% DPG +/−, 0.6 cm − 50% DPG, dark +,0.7 cm +, 0.8 cm brown 60% DPG +/−, 0.7 cm − 60% DPG, dark +, 0.8 cm +,0.9 cm brown 70% DPG +/−, 0.7 cm − 70% DPG, dark +, 0.7 cm +, 1.0 cmbrown 80% DPG +/−, 0.7 cm − 80% DPG, dark +/−, 0.7 cm +/−, 0.6 cm brown90% DPG +, 0.9 cm − 90% DPG, +/−, 0.9 cm +/−, 0.6 cm brown-green 100%DPG +, 1.1 cm − 100% DPG, green +/−, 1.1 cm −

EXAMPLE 8

[0073] Operating as in the General Procedures above, dipropylene glycolextracts of red henna were tested against S. epidermidis and C. xerosis.The results are shown in Table IX. TABLE IX EXPERIMENT EXTRACTIONCONTROL CONDITIONS OF INHIBITION INHIBITION RED HENNA INHIBITIONINHIBITION EXTRACTING OF OF AND EXTRACT OF OF SOLVENT C. xerosisS.epidermidis COLOR C. xerosis S.epidermidis 10% DPG N.D. − 10% DPG,orange +, 0.4 cm − 20% DPG N.D. − 20% DPG, orange +, 0.6 cm − 50% DPG +,0.4 cm − 50% DPG, orange +, 0.6 cm − 70% DPG N.D. − 70% DPG, +, 0.7 cm −brown-orange 100% DPO +, 0.5cm − 100% DPG, green +, 0.7 cm −

EXAMPLE 9

[0074] Operating as in the General Procedures above, isopropanolextracts of black henna were tested against S. epidermidis and C.xerosis. The results are shown in Table X. TABLE X EXPERIMENT EXTRACTIONCONTROL CONDITIONS OF INHIBITION INHIBITION BLACK HENNA INHIBITIONINHIBITION EXTRACTING OF OF AND EXTRACT OF OF SOLVENT C. xerosisS.epidermidis COLOR C. xerosis S.epidermidis 10% IP − − 10% IP, dark +,0.5 cm +/−, 0.5 cm brown + black powder 20% IP +/−, 0.6 cm − 20% IP,dark +, 0.6 cm +/−, 0.5 cm brown + black powder 30% IP +/−, 0.9 cm − 30%IP, dark +/−, 0.8 cm +, 1.2 cm brown + black powder 40% IP +/−, 1.1 cm40% IP, dark +, 1.1 cm +, 1.6 cm brown + black powder 50% IP +, 1.3 cm −50% IP, green +/−, 1.1 cm +/−, 1.0 cm brown + black powder 60% IP +, 1.0cm − 60% IP, dark green +, 1.3 +/−, 0.8 cm 70% IP +, 1.2 cm − 70% IP,dark green +, 1.4 − 80% IP +, 1.2 cm − 80% IP, dark green +, 1.4 − 90%IP +, 1.4 cm − 90% IP, dark green +, 1.5 − 100% IP  +, 1.4 cm − 100% IP,green +, 1.7 −

EXAMPLE 10

[0075] Operating as in the General Procedures above, isopropanolextracts of red henna were tested against S. epidermidis and C. xerosis.The results are shown in Table XI. TABLE XI EXPERIMENT EXTRACTIONCONDITIONS CONTROL OF RED INHIBITION INHIBITION HENNA AND INHIBITIONINHIBITION EXTRACTING OF OF EXTRACT OF OF SOLVENT C. xerosis S.epidermidis COLOR C. xerosis S. epidermidis 10% IP N.D. − 10% IP, orange+/−, 1.0 cm − 20% IP N.D. − 20% IP, orange +/−, 0.6 cm − 50% IP +, 1.0cm − 50% IP, brown + +, 1.2 cm − powder 70% IP N.D. − 70% IP, +, 0.9 cm− brown-green 100% IP  +, 0.6 cm − 100% IP, green +, 1.0 cm −

EXAMPLE 11

[0076] A group of ten individuals performed the following experiment.Prior to evening shower, the individuals rubbed their right armpits witha deodorizing composition comprising an oil plus Benzalkonium chlorideand red henna and following three minutes showered as usual. Microbialcounts were estimated directly before application, and the followingmorning. Individuals as well as independent judges also scored their ownarmpit odors and recorded them. The results showed a reduction of 1.5-2orders of magnitude in bacterial counts in the experimental (rightarmpit), as compared to no reduction in the control (left armpit).

[0077] Similar reductions were observed by the participants in scoringthe odor from the armpits, i.e., that the experimental armpit was freeor almost free of odor the morning following application, wherease thecontrol armpit had substantial odor.

[0078] The results show that this concept is highly effective inlong-lasting (ca. 8 hours) reduction of microbial counts and odorlevels.

[0079] All the above description and examples have been given for thepurpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention inany way. Many modifications can be made in the compositions of theinvention. For instance, different henna powders or purified hennacomponents can be used, many different additives can be incorporated inthe compositions of the invention, be they antibacterially active ornot, and many different extraction solvents can be used, to providecompositions of different activity, all without exceeding the scope ofthe invention.

[0080] The suitable extraction solvents or solvent combinations arethose that when used as described in the extraction process yield aninhibition zone of not less than 3 millimeters when tested on lawns ofsusceptible bacteria.

1. A deodorizing composition comprising as an antimicrobial agent aneffective amount of an extract of Lawsonia inermis, or of anantimicrobially active fraction thereof.
 2. A deodorizing compositionaccording to claim 1, which further comprises materials extracted fromIndigofera tinctoria.
 3. A deodorizing composition according to claim 1or 2, which further comprises conventional deodorant components.
 4. Adeodorizing composition according to claim 3, wherein the conventionaldeodorant components comprise antibacterial and antiodor materials.
 5. Adeodorizing composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, for useas a pre-shower deodorant.
 6. A process for manufacturing a deodorizingcomposition, comprising extracting natural material comprising Lawsoniainermis with a suitable extraction solvent, and using the extract soobtained as such, or in a suitable carrier.
 7. A process formanufacturing a deodorizing and antibacterial composition comprisingextracting natural material comprising Indigofera tinctoria with asuitable extraction solvent, and using the extract so obtained as such,or in a suitable carrier.
 8. A process according to claim 6, wherein thenatural material further comprises natural material from Indigoferatinctoria.
 9. A process according to claim 6, wherein the raw materialemployed for the extraction process is a red henna.
 10. A processaccording to claim 8, wherein the raw material employed for theextraction process is a black henna.
 11. A process according to claim 9or 10, wherein the raw material employed for the extraction process is ahenna powder.
 12. A cosmetic treatment for deodorizing and/or preventingthe formation of body odors without causing therapeutic changes in thehuman body, comprising applying to the axilla and/or other body partaffected by body odor a deodorizing composition comprising as anantimicrobial agent an effective amount of an extract of Lawsoniainermis, or of an antimicrobially active fraction thereof, for a periodof time sufficient to inhibit the growth of skin microorganismsresponsible for body odor formation, and then washing off thedeodorizing composition using conventional detergents.
 13. A cosmetictreatment for deodorizing and/or preventing the formation of body odorswithout causing therapeutic changes in the human body, comprisingapplying to the axilla and/or other body part affected by body odor adeodorizing composition comprising as an antimicrobial agent aneffective amount of an extract of Indigofera tinctoria, or of anantimicrobially active fraction thereof, for a period of time sufficientto inhibit the growth of skin microorganisms responsible for body odorformation, and then washing off the deodorizing composition usingconventional detergents.
 14. An antimicrobial composition comprising anextract of Indigofera tinctoria or Indigofera tinctoria-containingmaterial.
 15. An antimicrobial composition effective againstStaphylococcus aureus, comprising an extract of Indigofera tinctoria ofIndigofera tinctoria-containing material.
 16. A composition according toclaim 15, wherein the extract is an aqueous extract.
 17. A compositionaccording to claim 16, wherein the aqueous extract has been obtained byextraction with an alcohol in water extracting solution.
 18. Acomposition according to claim 17, wherein the amount of alcohol inwater is between 10%-30%.
 19. A composition according to claim 17,wherein the alcohol is ethanol.
 20. Use of an Indigofera tinctoriaextract as an antimicrobial agent for the inhibition of Staphylococcusaureus.
 21. An antimicrobial composition comprising an extract ofLawsonia inermis-containing material.
 22. An antimicrobial compositioneffective against Corynebacterium species, comprising an extract ofLawsonia inermis-containing material.
 23. A composition according toclaim 22, wherein the extract is an aqueous extract.
 24. A compositionaccording to claim 23, wherein the aqueous extract has been obtained byextraction with an alcohol-in-water extracting solution
 25. Acomposition according to claim 24, wherein the amount of alcohol inwater is between 10%-30%.
 26. A composition according to claim 24,wherein the alcohol is ethanol.
 27. Use of a Lawsonia inermis extract asan antimicrobial agent for the inhibition of Corynebacterium species.